Hello! I am trying to decide between purchasing a bare minimum trailer such as Hiker Trailer or a Sprinter or similar van. I would prefer to do the entire conversion myself because of cost and customization capacity. But am struggling to decide if I can get by with a pull behind trailer or if I really should splurge on a van.
I have a 2005 Subaru Outback that has fairly low milage and I feel confident in my abilities to fix most problems may occur on a xc trip. I go backpacking and backcountry skiing a lot and that requires going up bad forest service and country roads. So I can see myself dropping the trailer at a campground and then taking the Outback up.
But the convenience and "cool" factor of a van is somewhat appealing although the cost is a definite turn off. What would you recommend? trailer or van?
Hi ya,
Well MY personal view is a Van being the way to go !.
Easier to Drive, Easier to FIND suitable parking, & Being able to actually PARK in spots, Only 1 lot of Security to worry about, More MPG fuel consumption, Ferry & Paid Parking Spots cheaper & more choice, & Much more Friendly in the Useability senses....But I'm sure that whatever your final choice is, You would have Thought it THOROUGHLY through to fit your lifestyle choices, So Good Luck.
I would agree with Nulife about the van option. If you're considering stealth camping then a trailer does limit your options. A trailer might be a good choice if you only stay on camp grounds, and have a suitable towing vehicle.
Yes, Good Point Kryten ref 'Stealth Camper'..I have to say though, Although I've been a Full time Livaboard on Boats for almost 30years Traveling Mainly the UK & European Waterways, I'm a comparative Baby when it comes to Full timing in my Wheeled home 'The Nest' of a under a year. But one observation I HAVE made on my travels in that short time is. 'Stealth Campers' actually have attracted more attention from our boys in blue, Business owners, Farmers / Land owners in some of the park ups than my Very obvious livaboard Motorhome does !. So I do find this Stealthy Vs Obvious Livaboard Vehicle thing interesting...
Touch wood, I've not yet ever been asked to move on, or even had a enquiring Tap on the Windows,,,,YET !.
I think most people in main stream living situations look at a Motorhome parked up & think 'Hmm, Motorhome for the night',,,if 3 or more parked up 'OMG The Travelers are here !',,,if a (Stealthy Camper) is trying to look inconspicuous, Then they think 'Hmmm, Their up to no good call the police !'.
What do you other guys think ?.
The problem is a bunch of fools who claim cargo vans are stealthy. The truth is the more you try to hide the more conspicuous you become. Switching away from a cargo van was one of the best things I ever did.
When I had a cargo van it was a target for cops, thieves, and unhappy neighbors. Switching to a window van van solved all those problems.
Agree it's an interesting topic!
I'm from London so 'stealth' made complete sense when I set-up my windowless panel van, however, that's not where I want to be & as soon as I started spending time in the countryside I felt I stood out like a sore thumb! Truth is, any vehicle parked alone will attract the locals' attention/concern directly proportional to how mysterious it is. Then I got into wind surfing so now there's a 14' board strapped to the roof at all times. You still can't tell it's a live-in but now now it's immediately recognised as 'someone on holiday', probably on the move & probably of no threat. That's my feeling anyway. The board does attract attention but only in the form of friendly inquisitive chat, to date.
Always cracks me up when I see a 'stealth' van with a wood burner chimney poking out the top ;D
So that would be my advice: some sort of advert so show how fluffy you are & approachable you would be :)
In the USA switching from a cargo(panel) van to a passenger style window van, instantly changed the way I was perceived by others from creepy criminal to a harmless camper/tourist. A very positive and uplifting change. Having lots of windows cured my depression & loneliness too.